Heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu drowns while saving sons in Tonga

Friday 5 December 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 5 Dec 2025, 10:04am

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu died while attempting to save his sons during a family holiday in Tonga last month. The Tongan-born athlete, who also competed in sumo wrestling, will be laid to rest in Papatoetoe tomorrow.

How they headlined it

5h

5am10:04am

1. NZ HeraldFri 5 Dec 2025, 5:00am

   New Zealand heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu drowns saving sons during Tonga beach holiday (opens in new tab)

2. StuffFri 5 Dec 2025, 10:04am

   ‘Mum, we were still holding hands’: Hero dad drowns saving sons (opens in new tab)